One Small Step

The History of Space Flight

Video Ideas is proud to present One Small Step, a new high definition program from our wildely successful Film Score in Reverse series. Film Score in Reverse is an innovative concept providing symphony audiences with a unique visual experience they will never forget.

The Music

Aaron Copland's fanfare has become a symbol of the indomitable human spirit.

Fanfare for the Common Man

In 1942, conductor Eugene Goosens requested eighteen fanfares to be composed to open his concerts during World War II. Aaron Copland's contribution to this endeavor was "Fanfare for the Common Man". Based on a war-time speech by Vice President Henry Wallace, it matches his call to protect and expand the freedoms of not only American citizens but of all mankind. Copland's fanfare has endured the test of time and become a symbol of the indomitable human spirit.

Originally called the "Ballet for Martha", Copland's orchestral composition of "Appalachian Spring" gained its current title at the suggestion from Martha Graham, the ballet's comissioner, to use a line from Hart Crane's poem "The Dance". Of the piece, Copland said, "I gave voice to [Appalachia] without knowing I was giving voice to it." In that same way, Aaron Copland unknowingly gave voice with his sweeping theme to mankind's journey from the earth to the stars.

The Film

This film tells the dramatic history of exploration and space flight, with archival NASA photographs and film footage.

One Small Step

The film One Small Step tells the dramatic story of the history of space flight by combining the music of composer Aaron Copland, with archival NASA photographs and film footage. The journey begins on earth with "Fanfare for the Common Man", when the ancient explorers' thirst for exploration takes them beyond the mountains and the oceans and finally the skies.

Then, Kennedy's challenge to be the first to land on the moon signals the "Appalachian Spring" and the great Space Race. From the development of NASA, to Neil Armstrong's historical moon landing, from tragic disaster to momentous achievement, Copland's magnificent themes propel the story forward.

The Result

Now watch Film Score in Reverse's Trailer of One Small Step.

The Result

Now watch Film Score in Reverse's Trailer of One Small Step or See an Interview with the Conductor, Jeff Reed.